Word for the day “Time to look at our relationships”
I Samuel 3:11 (KJV) And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever. 15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. 17 And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also if thou hide anything from me of all the things that he said unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him every whit and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.
WE ALL HAVE HAD TIMES OF BAD JUDGMENT THAT HAVE IMPACTED OUR LIVES.
Eli was one of the great men of faith and one of the great leaders in Israel's history. He served as priest, prophet, Intercessor, and Israel's last judge. Although, Eli was a great leader he at times lacked good judgment, which proved to be costly in critical areas of his life. The challenges he faced could have been avoided if he had just used better judgment.
We are faced with the same challenge in our lives today, how to navigate through life in our humanity. How many times did you make a decision and wish you would have used better judgment in your decision-making? Today’s message will speak to the need for the Lord’s influence in all our decisions and actions in life.
HOW WE HANDLE OUR FAMILY AND MATTERS OF THE HEART, MUST BE DONE WITH GODLY INFLUENCE.
Eli was human, and he had areas of bad judgement in his life when it came to his children. Many parents have bad judgment when it comes to their children. Eli appointed his sons as judges in his place. The problem was that his sons were not the men of Godly character that he was. Scripture tells us they "were money focused over being God-focused, and, accepted bribes and perverted justice."
The people tried to tell Eli, but for whatever reason, he chose not to reevaluate his decision. Eli, showed bad judgement when it came to his family (I Samuel 2:12-17). We should seek the counsel of God when it comes to making decisions for our families, as well, as ourselves. It is important to ask God’s guidance and direction.
THINKING CLEARLY AND USING SOUND JUDGEMENT
We often develop excuses and use bad judgment regarding someone we love and want to protect. If Eli had heard the people's complaints with vigilance, he may have seen the truth before it was too late. He could then have corrected the problem and held his sons accountable for their misappropriations. If others around you are telling you things you don't want to hear, maybe you should stop and evaluate carefully what's being said. And make the proper assessment of what needs to be done to resolve the concern.
Making sound decisions and holding your loved ones accountable for their actions, is the Godly thing to do. Oftentimes, we don't want to hurt or confront the ones we love, so we tend to avoid confrontation. By doing so, we are not only hurting them, but we are doing them a great injustice; by holding them accountable, we are helping them to possibly become what is divinely destined for their lives.
POINT TO PONDER
Do you need to assess someone in your life: a friend, child, or maybe a family member?
Perhaps it is time to take a close look at those that are close to you?
Is it time to get things to straighten out?
Are you delaying this time for a correction in a relationship?
Do you see your decisions impact your destiny?
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of May 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Pastor Raymond Phillips, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Mr. William Wilson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,